#anywhere

----------------------

"So... he's got this little hold down here at the base while the Dukes and Duchess rule right over there at the big one..." Earl says

Quinlan's hold seems to be large and roomy in the ceilings, but is not as big as some she is used to...it does however seem quite warm and welcoming, as if part of it's magic is all about hospitality. It reflects not just the holder, but the holder's will to please. Why there are even shadowy spots for those that prefer nooks and cranies.

"Under the radar, in a way."

"Or maybe just the gateway to..." that's when he notices the sluagh that has come to their side.

Zara bows to her kithmate.

Intentionally so, politely so, "Pardon me" the old slaugh whispers, "The Baron thought you might prefer a side entrance of privacy? Out of respect for sluagh ways. I am Shivertongue. " He bows

"Always thoughtful. A most well-mannered host. Aye. Please tell him Earl and Zara are here?"

"He suspected , this way please." They are lead through a side hall with little light.. Earl has to duck a bit. Then they come into a parlor and see.. oh tea is prepared.

The Baron grins "Zara, Earl! I thought it was you..ah but forgive my volume. I always was too exuberant. Normally I'd have a big feast and music and more but Mr. Shivertongue reminds me that well... it's not the sluagh way. Hospitality isn't hospitality if it merely serves the host. Have seats, I Pray you. Earl, that big one right there is yours, and Miss Zara, I know you like wingbacks"

Zara smiles, delighted. "Oh, you are a most thoughtful and gracious host. Your hold is lovely...."

"Oh you haven't seen much of it... I find this part a bit on the gloomy side, myself. " Despite the decore there is a sense of welcome even here. Perhaps especially here as Zara sees it.

"Mister Shivertongue, do excuse us? I wish to catch up on friends and so on and..."

"Well, the gloom suits the guest."

"Of course," Mister Shivertongue bows to him and then a finger splayed one to Zara and Earl "Miss, Sir." And he slips out.

"Oh part of that is Mr. Shivertongue's advice. I almost made the mistake of dusting the bookshelves. " Amused "The boggans on my staff hate this room. Here, let me pour and you tell me how you've been?"

"Oh, most well! Terribly busy, but most well. I rarely get to Firnost these days - but then, neither do you."

"So true. I do sometimes miss it, you know? Sometimes it was big and empty, but it had great accoustics and personality.. and the jukebox was a friend. Earl, pardon SIR Earl, I've kept up to date on your painting. Amazing stuff as always. Are you experimenting more with purples?"

"Oh purples are ..dear to someone so I do try to blend them in" Earl smiles and sips the tea he is offered

Zara gently pinks.

"Well they look amazing" The Daireann might notice the pinking but has enough poise and awareness not to make a fuss "And you, Miss Zara? Last I heard you were helping with a library?"

"At Earth Runes - where August has married his Trueheart, nu? The Baroness Coradel, of Fiona."

She sips her tea. "Though, truly, let me tell you what memories I bring from the Dreaming, of our quest to THE Library."

"Ah." he says then his brows raise "I am already hooked by such an introduction, speak on , I pray you" The baron did always enjoy a lively story.

And Zara... obliges. Danger, dark unicorns, witches.... and books, oh, the books...

Earl shares his part when asked but mostly leaves it to Zara who is full enough of passion about the books to create a saga from

"Amazing..remarkable.. .wait, he wanted you to trade what? " And so on...

"Miss Zara, I know dislike being made a fuss over, but are you sure I can't throw a celebration in your honor?" Quin finally says at the end of it.

"Oh... I may allow you to make a song... may... without my name, of course..."

"But I have not yet told you of what my dear friend August found. Know you, dear Quin, of banner houses?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. They're quite the stir ... " He says "Some of the Great Houses see them as threats ot their unity, others see them as useful political tools and so on. "

She nods. "Now imagine, if you would, the... well, the virtue of Liam, tempered by Fiona passion. If I may be crude - less, ah... uptight, while still focused on protecting dreamers."

"Ah, interesting. I must confess, my house as a whole doesn't think much of Fiona or Liam... I myself met worhty members of both... but I can see merit in passion and wisdom combined... " A sip and his eyes sparkle "Zara, why am I suspecting you're here for more than just telling me an exciting story?"

"Because you are astute, as well as gracious... and, well, I think you might enjoy helping stick it to the Balor."

"Oooo... now you have got to the dark heart of my house" The Daireann admits "Go on. Please."

"You know, I think, something of my own story - of the Balor's theft of my birth mother, nu?"

A nod "A little." He says "You freed her. I hope she is well?"

A nod. "Now, part of that vast house... to serve their devious ends, to cause me and those I love suffering... they kidnapped Sir August and tortured him."

A handsome and yet dangerous glint "I trust this was avenged?"

"His Trueheart, the Baroness, then slayed the perpetrator. By twist of da'an, their plans were rent to ruin..." A little tug on the corner of her mouth, not quite a smug smile.

"Ah.. I should not inquire who did the twisting then?" The glint more one of admiration now.

A true smile and a wink. "Now... it so happens that Coradel is the Lioness who lounges in Liam's bough. The Fiona that warms the oaken heart. Together, she and August are Lord and Lady Truthbranch..."

"You would like her. She is fierce. You know August - quieter, but principled. They... they balance."

"I'm happy for them then," he says "And I will definitely consider making a song about them and their adventure. August always was a bit ... reserved. Good man, but restrained to the point he was hard to know."

"He is not restrained...with her" Earl says "He's quite happily confused by her. "

"And thus, ideals are given passion. And from passion, an end to passivity."

"Now... this quest, the Library, aye? While - well, as I mentioned, I found my Austen... August found something much closer to home. A charter, penned by High Lord Liam's own hand."

That gets both eye brows up, "The House Founder himself? That.. that's a treasure"

"It is. But it may not be enough to have a banner house recognized. Balor's pride has been speared by Truthbranch. They would see the banner buried."

"You want help? Oh Zara, I'm only a baron"